University of Idaho Homecoming
NOTICE
Outdoor homecoming activities are being impacted by a red-flag weather advisory in place for the Palouse starting at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4. The state fire marshal revoked permits for the bonfire and fireworks out of an abundance of caution, and we are making necessary changes to our traditional Homecoming activities. Please explore the events below for more details.
- Tap-the-Keg Oktoberfest – Postponed
- Fireworks – Postponed
- Bonfire – Canceled
- Serpentine – New, shorter route
- Vandal Rally – Moved inside the ICCU Arena
Activities on Saturday, Oct. 5 will proceed as planned.
Homecoming 2024: Sept. 28 to Oct. 5
Homecoming is University of Idaho’s longest-running tradition! For one week each year, this unique event brings alumni, students and community members together in Moscow to celebrate traditions with the whole Vandal Family.
This year’s Homecoming theme is “Where Vandal Dreams Come True!” Get ready for a magical time filled with your favorite characters, enchanting moments and unforgettable memories at the happiest place on Earth: Moscow!
Don’t forget to order your Homecoming-themed merch from the VandalStore! Online orders are being accepted through September 15.
Homecoming Week Events
Be sure to update your contact info to receive updates on the times, dates and locations of our events schedule as they are confirmed!
5 p.m. on Sunday, September 29
Theophilus Tower Lawn
The Homecoming kick-off event marks the beginning of the best week on campus! The Homecoming committee organizes a field day filled with friendly competitions for students to take part in. The kick-off event is also where Homecoming royalty nominees are announced, and Homecoming merchandise is distributed. This year’s event features yard game competitions including:
- Giant Jenga
- Cornhole
- Connect 4
- Lawn pong
- Spike ball
5 p.m. on Sunday, September 29
Campus
Go on a goose chase to capture photos and videos across campus! Download the GooseChase app to receive photo capture prompts and earn points as you go. Photo opportunities include historical buildings, footage of teams completing Homecoming challenges and more! Points will be tallied throughout every event during Homecoming, and at the end of the week, the team with the most points gets a special trophy!
2-5 p.m. on Monday, September 30
Downtown Moscow
Vandalize Moscow decorates the downtown business district with Vandal Pride in our Homecoming theme. Student organizations work with business owners to decorate their storefronts with silver and gold art the whole community can enjoy. Once complete, alumni judges, the Homecoming president and advisor stroll through downtown to select a winning design.
9 a.m. on Tuesday, October 1 (Office Decorating)
1 p.m. on Friday, October 4 (House Decorating)
Campus
Faculty, staff and students all show their Vandal spirit around campus! Check out your Dean of Students Office, the Administration Building, Department of Student Involvement, Greek houses, residence halls, student spaces and everywhere in between to see who’s competing for the most spirited campus location!
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 1-2
Teaching and Learning Center Lounge
Celebrating 70 years of Vandals saving lives! You even get a cookie when you’re done. Sign up for an appointment so you don’t have to wait!
7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 2
Pitman Center International Ballroom
Jingles brings together university student organizations to put on skits for fellow students and alumni judges. Skits are awarded points for how well they represent the Homecoming theme with creativity and Vandal Pride. Part talent show, part pep rally, Jingles always promises to be a show you won’t want to miss.
2-6 p.m. on Saturday, October 26
Dan O’Brien Track and Field Complex
Current ticket holders: Look for an email from Marie Duncan with several options regarding your tickets or contact alumni@uidaho.edu.
Join the Vandal Family Friday night of Homecoming for tasty regional beers, Oktoberfest-inspired food, music and more! 21 and over admission only. Purchase tickets!
6 p.m. on Friday, October 4
Memorial Gym
Most Vandalized Fan takes place during halftime of the Homecoming Women’s Volleyball game. Student organizations nominate two members each that get dressed up in their best Vandal gear from head to toe. Alumni judges settle the debate as to who has the most Vandal Spirit in all the land.
Serpentine – New Route
8 p.m. on Friday, October 4
Meet at Memorial Gym
The Serpentine is one of the most anticipated events of the week. Beginning at Memorial Gym after the Volleyball game, the excitement and energy build as the Serpentine crosses Rayburn Avenue to the practice field and proceeds into the ICCU Arena for the Vandal Rally.
Vandal Rally- New Location
8:30 p.m. on Friday, October 4
Inside the ICCU Arena
When the Serpentine arrives in the ICCU Arena, the Vandal Rally starts the most exciting event of the night. The Homecoming committee gives a speech to introduce and crown the Homecoming Royalty. Head Football Coach Jason Eck is then joined by Vandal football players to pump up the crowd for the big Homecoming football game the following evening.
Homecoming Fireworks Show - Postponed
New date coming soon!
Saturday, October 5
9 a.m. — Parade Check-in
Rants and Raves parking lot
9:30 a.m. — Future Vandals Parade
Main Street
10 a.m. — Homecoming Parade
Main Street
Students, community members and alumni all take part in the Homecoming Parade through downtown Moscow. Student teams create parade floats that show their Vandal Pride and get the crowd pumped up for the Homecoming football game later that evening. Alumni judges vote for the best float among the student organizations as they roll through the crowds along the main strip of the Moscow business district. This year, we are continuing a new tradition called “Future Vandal Parade” where Vandal parents and their children have their own parade through downtown before the rest of the procession gets up and running.
Want to be a part of this year’s Homecoming Parade or Future Vandals Parade? Whether you’re a student, community member, alumni or future alumni, we’d love to have you!
Homecoming Parade: Future Vandals signup (ages 12 and under are welcome)
11 a.m. on Saturday, October 5
Outside ICCU Arena
The official Vandal Tailgate opens three hours prior to kickoff and is located right in front of the ICCU Arena! The Village features food by local vendors, special performances, a visit by the Sound of Idaho Marching Band and Vandal Spirit Squad, giveaways, games for kids and more!
Live music is being performed by DJ Eric Rhodes ’04! Eric will be joining us for a Cup of Joe virtual chat on September 26 to tell us about his awesome career performing for high-level brands in the luxury event space. RSVP for the Zoom link.
2 p.m. on Saturday, October 5
P1FCU Kibbie Dome
Homecoming week festivities build to a roaring celebration at the big Homecoming football game Saturday night. The energy in the Dome is electric with the student section showing off their best Vandal gear and spirit. During the halftime show, our Homecoming Royalty are presented to the alumni side of the field and join the Vandal Marching Band and the Vandaleers to lead the entire crowd in singing our Alma Matter. Our Homecoming 2023 football game sold out! Help us pack the Dome and get loud for the big game! Purchase tickets here.